The focus of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's speech was the follies of the UPA government on issues such as terrorism and price rise, reports BR Srikanth.

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s rabble-rousing election address evoked a moderate response in Bangalore on Tuesday. The focus of his speech was the follies of the UPA government on issues such as terrorism and price rise.

Addressing a rally in Byatarayanapura, Modi said: “Though the people voted for the BJP and helped it emerge the single largest party in 2004, the mandate wasn’t enough to form a government on its own. This time, a decisive vote will enable the party to form government and be a precedent for similar change at the Centre.” He added: “It is regrettable the Congress does not want Karnataka to progress as Gujarat has under the BJP. By playing the communal card and indulging in votebank politics, it is actually doing a disservice to the people of Karnataka.”

He said the Centre’s “soft stand” on terrorists and its “appeasement of minorities” had led to terrorism and Maoism haunting a peaceful state like Karnataka.